As I listen to Jack Elliott’s album Jack Takes the Floor, I wonder how did a Jewish boy get inspired to become a cowboy in Brooklyn New York and then become a folk singer who recorded his folk album in England.
Elliot’s mentor was Woodie Guthrie, the folk singer of the 30s to the 50s who in turned inspired Bob Dylan among many others. Guthrie makes an appearance on the fifth track “New York Town.” I have heard the name Woodie Guthrie, but I have never heard of his music. Maybe one day I will give it a go.
Honestly, folk music is not a genre I have listened to much, but as I listened to it, it started wearing on me. I kind of liked it. I feel as though a guy from an upscale family singing folk is a little dishonest. I felt that way when I read what he told his daughter was the reason he did not play his favourite song in concert. “These songs are not for the tourists.” I feel that is a little judgmental of him being that his father was a surgeon. Maybe in my imagination folk singers were men who were singing about the hardships of their circumstances.
If you think the word negro is derogatory, then you might want to skip this album. He introduces the song “Black Baby” as a Southern negro lullaby. Would this be considered cultural appropriation today? The lyrics are definitely meant for a black man to sing. This might piss off some people, but I think the whole idea of cultural appropriation is ridiculous. It has gone too far, especially when people think you cannot cook another cultures food. It is one world and we all must share.
I think the only thing I do not like about this type of music is that it is literally a one man band. Elliott plays the guitar and sings the songs. I need some more instruments. This is great if you are out at a campfire exploring The Alps. But do you think I would give up the comfort of my own bed to sleep on the ground in the forest where lions and tiger and bears live. As if!
hey it's osh 